And a chance to halt their abysmal record against the Jambos that, before last night, yielded just two victories from 18 games.

Inside, Butcher would have wanted to win as much as he’s ever done in his career, player or manager. That’s just the way he is and he will never change.

Maybe the quote was a bit of reverse psychology. Or perhaps he was just trying to play it down a bit after recent events.

Because after the trauma both of these clubs have endured in the last fortnight this fixture has been put
in a proper perspective.

The
tragic deaths of 18-year-old Hibs kid David Paul and ex-Hearts academy starlet Jamie Skinner at just 13 were a timely reminder of where football rivalry should sit in the grand scheme of things.

But
make no mistake, for the neutral this match-up is far more than just a game. Say what you like about the quality on show but last night’s ding-dong battle was proof of that.

It’s
exactly why everyone involved in Scottish football should be disappointed that it will soon become another derby lost to our game when Hearts’ imminent relegation is confirmed in May.

The
next Old Firm clash is 18 months away at least. The Dundee derby has been missed this season and if Ross County follow Hearts to the Championship via the play-offs, the tasty Highland tussle will disappear
as well.

It’s depressing stuff. And Butcher will feel that more than anyone this morning when he realises that next season the capital will be devoid of the sheer fervour of last night’s pulsating
90 minutes.

No one has ever said it’s a fixture boasting technique, skill and free-flowing passing. You can count the classic encounters of the past decade on one hand.

But that manic, pinball-like first five minutes – when
Gary Locke’s side were camped in their own box – was exhilarating stuff. And that kind of intensity is what our top flight is lacking right now.

Many were calling this the most insignificant derby in years. Hibs stuck in the bottom six and Hearts rooted to the foot of the table with their fate pretty much sealed.

But before kick-off the atmosphere inside Easter Road was electric – and it just made you wonder what it would be like if they were both challenging
at the top end of the table for honours.

The match didn’t disappoint. When James Collins crashed home Hibs’ opener after an hour, the place erupted.

When David Smith carved out an equaliser against the run of play, you could have heard the roar from the Hearts end on Gorgie Road.

Jamie
Walker’s booking for diving in the box added to the frenzy and when Liam Craig stroked in the winner from the spot it was greeted with an explosion of noise.

The goal sealed Hibs’ first league win at Easter Road over Hearts since March 2009 – and sent thousands of Hibees into a state of euphoria. Just
a game, Terry? Aye, that’ll be right.

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WITH Scotland in Poland for their latest international fixture on Wednesday - which will be televised live and free online at dailyrecord.co.uk - our gallery looks at the Polish players who have starred in the Scottish top flight.